Did you know that if you search for “how to find a homestay in the United Kingdom as an international student,” Google returns over 1.5 million results? That’s a lot of information to sort through! As an international student, if you’re considering living in a homestay accommodation, it’s important to find somewhere that’s safe and suits your needs.
Many international students live with a host family while studying abroad. Choosing to live in a homestay can:
- Be a budget-conscious way to live in a larger city
- Spark the growth of a friend network
- Help you live like a local in your new country
- Introduce you to cool local traditions and places
Below, we’ll explore what staying in a homestay is like, and share how to find this type of accommodation.
Studying abroad is a big decision, and location matters. Check out our blog on how to choose where to study in the UK.
Is Homestay Right For You?
Before you start looking, really consider if a homestay is your best accommodation option. For example, most UK families speak English at home, so students who want to improve their English could be a great fit! You’re likely to pick up some local sayings and slang from your host family, too.
Some more factors to consider:
- Are you comfortable living with folks of different ages, or would you prefer to live with other students? Host families range in age and composition: everyone from a retired single parent to a large family with a house full of kids and pets!
- Staying in a house can also mean specific house rules, but generally, the homestay organization will provide a framework for each family and student to follow.
- Homestays are off-campus, and in larger cities like London and Edinburgh, can be located 20 to 50 minutes from the city centre. This can impact your transportation budget and the time it takes to get to class.
A 2022 cost of living analysis for UK students found students in UK homestays pay £600–£800 per month in rent. This is comparable to the higher end of on-campus housing (which ranges from £300–£800/month) and the lower end of rent for an one-bedroom flat off-campus (£650–£2,200/month). Remember that the monthly cost of a homestay may also include amenities like laundry, utilities, internet access, and food.
Living in a homestay can mean you’ll enjoy home-cooked meals! Eating meals with a family is a great way to prevent getting homesick, or pick up a new recipe or two. Depending on your interest and local availability, homestays are available with either full-board dining (breakfast, a packed lunch, and an evening meal) or self-catering with access to the kitchen. There are lots of options in-between, too. Follow a vegan or halal diet? Let the homestay organization know, and they’ll pair you with a family who can arrange tasty, suitable meals.
Finding a Homestay
The best place to start looking at homestay accommodations is through your future academic institution. The institution wants to ensure students have an enjoyable experience, so any homestays they recommend must pass an interview and review process. In some cases, all adults in the home will have also completed a criminal reference check.
After receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies form, you’ll also be sent a form asking you to apply for accommodation during your studies. If your institution supports it, homestay will appear on this form as an option.
The form will ask you about your studies, lifestyle, and dietary needs, as well as what kinds of housing you’d prefer. The institution will use this information to help match you to a family. Complete the form and return it, usually to an International Office or Housing/Accommodations Office within the institution. Spots can be limited, so we recommend returning the form as quickly as possible.
Some institutions don’t directly support homestay. So, if homestay isn’t an option on your student accommodations form, note on it that you intend to pursue a homestay. Once you’ve done so, it’s wise to check in with the students’ union and accommodations office during your research. Even if you’re not planning to use one of their provided accommodations, these offices know what local housing options look like, along with students’ and tenants’ rights. They may have referrals for homestay organizations, and can share how to dodge scams. For example, if you’re asked to pay 12 months’ rent in advance, don’t; this is illegal.
Work With Trusted Organizations
Doing extra homework now can set you up for housing success! Organizations like the British Council and Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) provide homestay or guardianship accreditation in the UK, and can connect you with providers who passed their assessment. If you pursue a homestay independently, it’s vital to confirm you’re applying for it through a reputable agency.
More strategies:
- Arrange your homestay through the university or college, or a reputable agency. Ensure the homestay agency has accreditation from an organization like the British Council.
- Ask to view the house before signing on. (You can do this, or have a friend or contact do so on your behalf.)
- Read your homestay contract carefully, and make sure you understand its contents. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask!
- Ask for copies of homestay agreements and keep them somewhere safe.
- Trust your instincts. If something seems strange, check it over with a trusted friend, family member, or someone at your college or university before agreeing to anything.
With some research, homestay can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to live abroad while studying. Use the resources above, and others provided by your academic institution, to find a homestay that is safe and welcoming.
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